26 HARD CONDITIONS

  ARIEL'S POV   Mason stepped foot inside the hospital room, his hands deep in his pockets. He was wearing a leather jacket, and the smile he gave me was clearly fake.   What the hell was he doing here anyway? He was the last person I expected to see.   "You're still alive!" Mason smirked. "That's nice. I don't know how this plan is going to work out without you."   "I literally went through hell earlier today. Can you please give me a break?"   He laughed. "Breaks are for babies."   I shook my head and let out a weary sigh. "I'm being serious here."   "And do I look like I'm joking?" He raised an eyebrow, and I turned my face away. "How was your elevator experience?"   I gave him a quizzical look. "Why are you asking me that?"   "I just want to know if you and Luke did—you know, the whole relationship stuff."   I stared at him for a few seconds, then replied, "No, we didn't."   "Are you sure about that?"   "Why would I lie to you?"   Mason chuckled softly. "